Guin Maternity Session

Krista and her lovely husband contacted me about shooting their maternity portraits for them a few weeks before our session.  At the time, I hadn't shot any maternity photos under my own name.  Luckily, around the time Krista contacted me, I had the maternity session with Brittany scheduled to happen in a few days!  She saw the photos from that session and loved them!  We met up at the Raleigh Rose Garden right before sunset.  She brought some great props to use including her ultrasound photos!  She also brought a pair of the baby's shoes as well!  I went out and bought two really cool pieces of wood to paint with chalkboard paint and use for the shoot to display her baby's name (can't tell yet until he is born) and the number of weeks pregnant she was!  It really added a nice personal touch to the photos and was something I had never incorporated into a session before.  I have already and plan to continue using these props for clients in the future!  After shooting at the Raleigh Rose Garden so many times (years ago I focused mainly on the beautiful flowers and landscape to practice exposure on film), I figured it was time to explore other part of this awesome location .  I found a bunch of spots that I hadn't used before.  

I also drank way too much iced coffee beforehand and have done that a few times in the past as well.  Lesson learned, especially with no public bathrooms around.  ;)  We got some great shots which I have shared with you below!  Thank you guys for a great session!   I am thinking of you as you get closer to meeting your sweet baby!

Newborn Session with the Modlin Family

I have shot newborns while working at a portrait studio in the area but never under my own name.  The Modlin Family contacted me before their baby was born to do a newborn photo shoot with them a few weeks ago.  I was so excited and went out to find cute props to make their session special right away!  I found the cutest little hats, fabrics, and baskets!  I didn't think the fabric store would be so fun!  JoAnn's, you will be seeing me again soon!  :)

Baby Jackson came earlier than his due date and I needed to make sure that we took his photograph before he turned 10 days old. We were looking to get super sleepy and cute but natural shots of him.  A lot of babies start moving and stretching about after the 10 day mark.  

I visited their lovely home on a Saturday before the rest of their family came in for the first visit!  Baby Jackson was super adorable.  His Momma and Daddy were also a very sweet couple!  When we went out back to take their first family portrait, you could see the spark they had when looking at one another.  It literally warmed my heart.  

Here are some photos from our session!  A huge thanks to you all!  You guys are awesome!!  :)

What was once a dream…

Is now a reality!  I am incredibly excited to announce the beginning of my official photography business, Ashley McCray Photography!!!!  Eeeeek!  For all of you that know me, you know that this is something I have been talking about for years and years.  After a lot of planning and hard work, we are finally here!  

I have been shooting children, portraits, fashion, fine art, and commercial photography for 9 years now!  I am incredibly elated to be making this announcement and start this blog!  I have learned so much in these nine years and am more than ready and anxious to get this thing going!  

Until the end of the year, I will have grand opening specials which you can see in the pricing section of my website:  www.ashleymccrayphotography.com .  Please don't hesitate to contact me with any questions!  

Keep checking back for more updates and photos!  Thank you!!!!  :)

Gwynnie at the beach.